<p>I'm a freshman at USC who transferred from Notre Dame after a semester.
I'm pre-med at USC and this was a forgettable year to say the least (some issues back home). I struggled mightily with General Chemistry 1 and 2 (C both semesters) and finished up with a 3.11 GPA for the year. Is it possible to turn this around or did I dig myself a hole too deep to climb out of? Also should I give up on my dream to attend medical school?</p>
<p>Bumping this</p>
<p>I think it really depends on how much medical school means to you. If its something you really want to peruse it then I think you can turn it around but its not going to be hard. Like if you want straight A’s its going to take a lot but it’l be worth it, do what you gotta do. </p>
<p>If medical school is your dream, then DO NOT GIVE UP.
Yes, general chemistry can be challenging to some, others see the opposite in Organic Chemistry. You still have organic chem to take, and other biological and physics classes. So you can definitely make up with A’s in those classes if you study hard. In addition, an A in organic and biochemistry will show the admission committee that you just had a bad freshman year due to family situations like you stated.
In addition, there is more to Med school application than GPA. MCAT, voluntary experience, research etc… are all very important factors to keep in mind.
I have seen a friend who was premed, but is also took the LSAT, and GRE. She said that was her plan A, B and C. That is med school, law school or graduate school (PHD) in that order. Luckily, she was admitted to all 3 routes (Med school, law school and a PHD program, all from different universities). She ended up going to med school.
So, research what your true passion is, and now that you are settled in your new environment, study hard, volunteer, join campus clubs, and enjoy your college experience, but also have an alternate plan.
Best of luck to you.</p>